Michigan’s offensive struggles loom over Saturday’s UTEP clash
Despite a return to the Top 25, the Wolverines face a Miners squad whose quarterback has outscored their entire offence, raising questions about Michigan’s scoring consistency.
The No. 19 Michigan Wolverines prepare to host the UTEP Miners on Saturday in a Week 3 college football matchup, with the contest set to air on Big Ten Network. The game follows a turbulent start to the season for both sides, with Michigan securing a 17-10 victory over No. 11 Oklahoma in Week 2 to climb back into the national rankings.
Michigan’s defensive performance against Oklahoma was a key factor in their recent success, as the Wolverines held the Sooners to fewer than 300 total yards. The defence limited Oklahoma to just three conversions on 13 third-down attempts while forcing two turnovers. However, the offensive unit remains a point of concern, having scored only 30 points and four touchdowns across the first two games of the season.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood, a former No. 1 overall recruit, has struggled to find his rhythm through the air. He is currently completing just 53 per cent of his passes and holds the fewest passing yards among Big Ten starting quarterbacks who have played at least two games. In the most recent outing, Underwood completed nine of 17 passes for 111 yards, though he compensated with 87 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
The contrast in offensive production is stark when compared to UTEP’s recent form. The Miners secured their first win of the season with a 51-10 defeat of Texas Southern in Week 2, a significant rebound from a 51-0 loss to Oklahoma in the opening round. UTEP quarterback EJ Colson Jr. has been the primary driver of this output, completing 14 of 21 passes for 239 yards and four touchdowns, while also adding a score on the ground.
Notably, Colson Jr. has personally accounted for more touchdowns than the entire Michigan offence has produced this season. This statistical disparity has led FOX Sports Research to suggest taking the under in the upcoming match, citing Michigan’s inability to score in bunches and the Miners’ unlikely replication of their previous scoring volume against a tighter defence.
Betting odds for the Saturday fixture were listed at DraftKings Sportsbook as of 19 September. The preview notes that the page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners, with FOX Sports potentially compensated if users sign up or place a wager.
